10-09-2025
Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s Biosecurity Officers have been working diligently, conducting a total of 152 inspections during the quarter – March 2025 to June 2025.
A total of 842 inspections were undertaken during 2024/2025, just short of the original target of 850.
The initial target of 850 inspections for the Weeds Action Program Funding was revised down to 650 in line with the reduced NSW Government funding approval.
For the 2025/2026 period, the inspection target remains at 650, reflecting the previous year’s reduced funding to Council. 141 inspections are already completed as of July.
Upper Lachlan will now prioritize inspections in high-risk areas for new and emerging weeds, with immediate action to identify priority sites.
Council will next reintroduce roadside verge spraying by the Biosecurity team. This action will be integrated with upcoming weed spraying and targeted inspections of high-risk pathways and sites.
In future funding periods, Council will need to consider the costs associated with weed control, as prices for chemicals continue to rise. This funding does not cover the spraying of roadsides or Council assets in the pursuit of Priority Weeds, further highlighting the impact of the funding shortfall on control activities beyond inspections.
Currently, the biosecurity team targets Coolatai grass and Gorse. In the coming months, they will shift to high-risk pathway and site inspections. In September 2025, the next step will be to pause inspections and commence roadside vegetation control.